We're excited to announce that this August we are celebrating Afrofuturism across Contra Costa County Libraries. Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic and artistic movement that explores the intersection of African diaspora culture with science fiction, technology, and the future. Simply put: Afrofuturism is the radical act of imagining a future for people across the African Diaspora. “In a sense, Black people, whose past has been deliberately erased, are embracing Afrofuturism as a means to reconceptualize their history and a tool for speculating on a more fruitful future,” explains Shantay Robinson in the Smithsonian article, What is Afrofuturism?
You can read more about the history of Afrofuturism, and some of our favorite books in this genre – featuring authors like Octavia Butler, Ibi Zoboi, Colson Whitehead, Amina Luqman-Dawson, and W.E.B. DuBois – in our booklist for all ages. We also hope that you will take the opportunity this month to visit a library – perhaps to check out a book film, or music, or to pick up a coloring sheet designed by the local artist Robert Liu-Trujillo, who was himself inspired “to show Black and Brown children taking root among the stars”, or to attend an in-person event celebrating Afrofuturism at the Antioch, Hercules, or Pinole community libraries. This month’s celebrations remind us that there are opportunities each and every month to spotlight the efforts of our diverse communities.
This is only the beginning.
Afrofuturism: imagining a future for people across the African Diaspora. Scifi, speculative fiction, art, music, graphic novel, it's a brave new world and we're sharing some of our favorites with you, for readers of all ages.
Afrofuturism coloring page:
Black and Brown children taking root among the stars!
An Afrofuturism inspired coloring sheet designed by local artist Robert Liu-Trujillo.
Events celebrating Afrofuturism:
First 20-25 event attendees will receive a special Afrofuturism Swag Bag!
Pinole Library Movie Showings – all ages
Antioch Create an Afrofuturist Collage
-
Thursday August 22, 3pm - teens & adults
Create an Afro-Futurist collage with materials provided. Afrofuturism combines Black history, culture and science fiction to create a unique aesthetic. Join us as we explore this unique art through the medium of collage.
Hercules DIY Book Making
-
Saturday August 31, 2pm – teens & adults
Discover Afrofuturism, Black culture meets sci-fi imagination. In this hands-on workshop, you'll create a unique accordion style book that blends African heritage with futuristic visions. Using recycled materials, you will craft collages, hand drawn maps, and stories that explore themes of Black empowerment, technological innovation and cultural preservation.
Add a comment to: Afrofuturism: Past, Present, and Future Possibilities